The Door Industry Journal: January 2014

Friday, 31 January 2014

New Hörmann Sports Hall Doors

Hörmann SP 500 internal sports hall doors combine security, safety and durability in an aesthetically pleasing package.

Designed to keep sports equipment safe and secure, these doors must also behave as the hall wall when closed. The doors and tracks are designed to create a flush finish and when opening do not swing out but travel safely in the enclosed vertical and horizontal guides. The open door is fully contained within the track and so does not protrude into the hall when open. A recessed handle is designed-in to prevent the risk of injury and an elasticated foot trap protection device is fitted across the bottom edge.

The mechanism uses counterweights to make opening and closing almost effortless. Since they run so smoothly, buffer stops “brake” the door gently to a stop in both directions of travel. Double cables are used to prevent the door leaf from falling and the counterweights are fully enclosed in protective covers to prevent the risk of finger trap or reaching in injuries. Shock resistant cladding, low-wear track rollers and latch locks, on the top and sides, that engage automatically are included as standard.

As you would expect from Hörmann, the door leaf has been bounce tested and complies fully with stringent accident prevention regulations for schools.

Designed as an open-for-infill frame, that can be clad in a material and finish of your choice, the whole assembly is precision engineered. This attention to detail makes these doors easier to fit, with the required accuracy to ensure a flush fit and appearance is achieved.

For more information call 01530 513000 or visit www.hormann.co.uk .

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Thursday, 30 January 2014

Securing Asian Elephants at Belfast Zoo

Breezemount Electrical and Hydraulics the security and gate installation specialists from Belfast, offer a bespoke design and installation service to a vast variety of customers throughout the whole of Ireland.

Recently, the company was contacted by Belfast City Council with a project designed to enhance keepers’ safety at the elephant enclosure at Belfast Zoo.

Working to the specifications required, their team of designers proposed Breezemount’s manufactured heavy duty underground system complete with heavy duty hydraulic locking bolts which would leave nothing for the animals to damage causing potential injury. The bespoke system allowed the elephants to retain full access to their enclosure and guaranteed that the area remained secure at all times.

The Elephant Curator at Belfast Zoo commented on the project:

“Breezemount provided our elephants with an automated gate system which increases our safety as elephant keepers. This bespoke gate system had to contend with various constraints posed by Asian Elephants, none of which were a problem to Breezemount. When the work began on-site the skilled engineers were extremely professional, hardworking and dedicated to completing the work during the programme. I would have no hesitation in recommending Breezemount as they provided an excellent bespoke gate design and installation service”.

For more information on the range of services Breezemount can offer visit: www.breezemount.net

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Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Allegion puts Spotlight on Hospitality Sector with Area Sales Manager Appointment

Allegion has announced the appointment of Stefan Kobewka as Area Sales Manager for its CISA Hotel Locking Solutions brand, in a move which highlights the growing importance of the hospitality sector to the leading provider of safety and security products, formerly known as Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies.

With more than 20 years of sales and business development experience, Stefan will be covering the south of England and Wales. With a product portfolio including the CISA eSIGNO range which includes a contactless lock, outdoor electronic cylinder and hospitality safe, Stefan’s remit is to work closely with independent hotels, small and large hotel groups, and hotel management companies to provide a security technology solution that fits their specific requirements.

According to Paul Taylor, UK Sales Leader for CISA Hotel Locking Systems at Allegion, Stefan’s appointment comes at a key time for the hospitality industry.

“Hotel security has evolved over time from mechanical lock and key systems to electronic access control systems, and as access technology continues to become more sophisticated, it is incredibly important to build a team of highly experienced sales professionals who have an invaluable knowledge of security systems and can communicate this clearly to clients.

“Stefan is able to relate to the individual requirements and experiences of both hoteliers and their patrons; and as such, he is well placed to provide clients with sound advice and the right security solution for their business. He has already proven to be passionate about the Allegion and CISA product portfolio, and I would like to welcome him to the team and wish him every success in his new role.”

Stefan added: “I was thrilled to join Allegion as its brands, products, technical expertise and heritage are second to none. I am looking forward to helping to strengthen the reputation of CISA Hotel Locking Solutions in the UK, while I continue to build relationships in the hospitality sector.”

Allegion’s portfolio includes strategic brands CISA®, Interflex®, LCN®, Schlage® and Von Duprin®; and other brands including aptiQ®, Briton™, Bricard®, Dalco™, Dexter by Schlage®, Dor-O-Matic, Falcon®, Fusion Hardware Group™, Glynn-Johnson®, ITO Kilit™, Ives®, Kryptonite®, Legge®, Martin Roberts™, Normbau™, Randi™, Steelcraft®, XceedID®

.
For further information on Allegion’s product and services visit www.allegion.co.uk.

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Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Ironmongerydirect Appoints Merchandising Manager To Enhance Customer Experience

IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, has appointed a merchandising manager to further improve its already award winning service and drive the company forward.

As part of the new position, Edward Patten will be responsible for enhancing the customers’ shopping experience, with clear, innovative ideas and presentation of the 14,500 ironmongery and associated products featured in the catalogue and website channels, so that customers can make informed choices easily. He will also be responsible for providing day-to-day quality assurance of all the products in stock.

With over 20 years’ experience in merchandising, Edward is best placed to improve sales and maintain the firm’s excellent relationship with customers. He joins the company from Speciality Coffee Association of Europe where he held a leading role in the development of sales at exhibition level and via its e-commerce website.

Commenting on his appointment, Edward Patten said:

“I was attracted to this role as I believe I can contribute to IronmongeryDirect’s ongoing success through great product merchandising. My aims include developing a strong and talented merchandising team, which will strive to advance our customers’ experience and continue to grow the business further.”

Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director of IronmongeryDirect, said:

“Edward is joining IronmongeryDirect at a very exciting time for the company. With his extensive understanding and experience of brands and user experience, Edward could not be a better choice for the future development of the business.”

For more information, please visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

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Monday, 27 January 2014

BWF Launches New and Improved U-Value Service for Windows

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has re-launched its basic U-value calculation service to bring it in line with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

The CPR’s introduction on 1st July 2013 means that businesses with 10 staff or more, or with a turnover of €2million or more – known as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – are required to have their U-value calculations validated by a notified body.

The BWF has teamed up with a notified body, the British Board of Agrément (BBA), to ensure that all calculations supplied by the BWF can be validated for SMEs to be compliant with the CPR.

Chris Addison, BWF Technical Officer, who runs the BWF’s basic U-value calculation service, said:

“Approval of our U-value calculations by the BBA means that joinery firms can be confident that their windows comply with the Building Regulations, can secure compliance in a cost effective manner – and of course – be used for CE marking purposes.

“We work with each company to get their window to the required U-value and then issue them with a certificate, which they can use to prove compliance for Building Control, clients, and well as use to promote their products’ performance.”

Micro enterprises with 9 or fewer employees still do not require notified body validation for U-values, but are still required to provide a U-value for Building Control approval. The BWF’s basic U-value calculation service is also available for micro enterprises to access.

For more information and apply for the new BWF basic U-value calculation service, visit www.bwf.org.uk/toolkit/product-energy-performance/basic-u-values

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Sunday, 26 January 2014

Educating the F1 Stars of Tomorrow

• Budding Lewis Hamiltons sought for inter-school karting contest

• Think you’ve got what it takes to speed along the fast track to sporting success?

• Low-cost entry route into glamorous world of motor sport

If you fancy yourself as the next Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button but are struggling to shift your motor sport dreams off the starting grid, the answer could lie just around the next high-speed corner – the British Schools Karting Championship (BSKC).

Run by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), the BSKC is an arrive-and-drive formula for students aged between 13 and 18. It is a team-based sport, with each entry composed of three drivers from the same school, academy or college led by either a teacher or parent as team captain. To allow everybody to compete at the same level, no more than one member of the team can have held a Motor Sport Association (MSA) racing licence above National B Novice level.

The knockout-style contest progresses from practice and familiarisation sessions beginning in March through to local and regional finals and ultimately the all-important national final in July at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire, where the 2014 British Schools Karting Champions will be crowned. There are separate prizes for the eight regional champions.

The cost of entry for the entire championship is just £165 per team (£55 per driver), to include the use of race suits, helmets and gloves, all of which are provided by the circuits.

“Now in its eighth year, the British Schools Karting Championship continues to go from strength-to-strength, and we have already received over 250 entries for the 2014 edition,” said championship manager Mark Turner. “Virtually all professional racing drivers these days start in karting, just like Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton did, and the BSKC represents an eminently affordable and excellent value entry point into the sport.

“Not all teenagers enjoy traditional school sports, and motor sport has gained a reputation as being out-of-reach due to its cost – but we’re here to prove that isn’t the case. Some schools also use the BSKC to motivate students toward classroom achievement as well as to reward those that have excelled.

“The BSKC is an exciting, nationwide competition for which no prior karting experience is required. The championship was created to make karting more accessible to schools. It appeals to students from different backgrounds and its low cost allows everyone to take part.

“Safety is naturally also of paramount importance to us, and arrive-and-drive karting is well-established as a safe and exhilarating form of motor sport, with top speeds of up to 50mph on outdoor circuits generating an amazing buzz whilst in a strictly-controlled environment – so sign up, come along and see for yourselves!”

Schools may enter as many teams as they like, and registration is open until 21 February at www.bskc.co.uk – although early bookings are recommended. The local stages of the competition will take place at nearby circuits and after school hours between 10 – 28 March, to ensure as much as possible that students are not taken out of regular lessons. Minimum height stipulations apply.

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Saturday, 25 January 2014

Woodrite’s side hinged range garners praise from specialists

The York side hinged range of garage doors from Woodrite has, since launching in 2010, become a firm favourite with garage door retailers. You may have considered side-hinged garage doors as a small and declining market, but when it comes to timber, consumer popularity is on the up.

Why is that?

“At the top end of the market we have seen a surge in demand as consumers are actively looking for high quality timber and the classic simplicity of using a side hinged garage door. Why fit an up and over door when cars are one of the last things you find in a garage these days!” said Sharon Cleaver, Woodrite’s Sales Director.

“Style plays a part too – side hinged doors are timelessly traditional and have a solidity that appeals to consumers, as does the ability to match a side entrance door. Our solid built door are just that – beautifully crafted joinery that is a pleasure to use and, with modern treatments, easy to keep looking pristine”, concluded Sharon.

For full details of the Woodrite York range of side hinged garage doors in cedar and idigbo, visit www.woodritedoors.co.uk

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Friday, 24 January 2014

P C Henderson’s sliding solutions open doors for more students

Education Secretary Michael Gove recently announced increased funding for more places in schools in 2014 with £2.35 billion being added to the £5 billion spent on new school places by 2015. Mr. Gove announced 260,000 new school places have been created to date with many more to still be created by 2017.

P C Henderson advises on how it is vital that space is used intelligently to provide the ideal environment for pupils in new and existing schools.

Fergus Pickard, Product Development Director commented

“When considering school building it is essential to utilise space in a clever way whilst ensuring the materials specified are durable. Increasing school places means more footfall and therefore more general wear and tear. P C Henderson sliding door hardware is tested to withstand over 100,000 cycles. Our sliding door hardware can be used to save space and can create a flexible learning environment.”

P C Henderson’s Multidirectional, Council and College hardware allows rooms such as assembly halls to be divided into extra classrooms or used for different purposes when needed. Sliding hardware Husky 100 is ideal for heavy duty light commercial use and can be used for standard or cupboard doors eliminating the room needed for a swing door to function. Sliding doors are also the safer option as they eliminate the intrusive swing door.

The importance of creating a space that supports inclusive learning is also a key consideration. Sliding doors accommodate larger opening sizes allowing pupils who use walking aids or wheelchairs to use the school’s facilities with independence and confidence.

Leaves of the College system can fold to one or both sides of an opening and can be stacked behind a reveal if required, enabling a space to be completely transformed with no disruption. P C Henderson products are designed to be easily installed and maintained.

For further information and to download the digital brochures visit www.pchenderson.com

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Thursday, 23 January 2014

Woodrite’s idigbo and oak ranges grow!

Woodrite Doors has announced the extension of its range of idigbo and oak doors.

Their Warwick idigbo range now mirrors that of their cedar range of styles in the Buckingham, Balmoral and boarded York ranges, increasing the number of styles from nine to twenty four. The Monmouth oak range has been increased to match all the styles in the Somerset range, a jump from four to twelve styles.

“It’s a testament to the great reaction we’ve had to the ranges we introduced last year that we’re adding these styles across Oak and Idigbo” commented John Brooks, Managing Director.

For more information visit www.woodritedoors.co.uk

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Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Bomb Blast Protection doesn’t Close the Door on Accessibilty

The rise of global terrorism has pushed public protection to the top of the Government’s agenda.

Striking a balance between the functionality of a building and the protection of the people inside has given rise to a new collection of construction products designed to be fit for purpose in this new age of counter-terrorism, and bomb blast doors are one such product proving popular in this arena.

Stephen Badgery, Key Account Manager for Ingersoll Rand, explores how the bomb blast market has worked to satisfy the accessibility versus protection argument.

The very nature of terrorism puts crowded public places at the very top of the perpetrator’s hit list and buildings such as airports, central train stations, shopping centres and sports stadiums are all considered high risk environments.

For the owners and managers of these facilities, the free movement of large crowds through restrictive entrances and exits poses a potential crush risk if they are not adequate in their size and performance. Standard automatic doors are manufactured in line with strict EU guidelines to ensure such risks are minimised; however introducing the additional need for counter-terrorism protection raises the question, will accessibility be jeopardised?

This uncertainty is largely due to lack of understanding, with most construction professionals having never come into contact with a bomb blast door. Visions of heavy bank vault and panic room doors make many wonder how such protection could be applied to an airport or Government Embassy building, when the truth is, with such a similar appearance to standard doors, combined efforts from manufacturers and specifiers can achieve the desired level of traffic movement with the added protection required in a high-risk environment.

As part of this process, Ingersoll Rand’s Dor-O-Matic bomb blast doors have been specifically designed to meet the same EU regulations for functionality as their standard automatic counterparts.

It is important to remember that whilst there are numerous options for doorsets in low-risk environments, enhanced security and bomb blast doors are limited to single and double sliding automatic doors and it is the regulations for these doors in specific that bomb blast doors are designed to meet.

EN 16005
European standard EN 16005 came into force in April 2013 as a reviewed addition to the Building Regulations of 2010 and has been designed to safeguard pedestrians from accidents caused by the design and installation of automatic doors.

Formed from various existing standards, including BS 7036 parts 1-5 which has been recognised as a code of practice since 1996 and the German standard DIN 18650, the new standard is intended to facilitate cross-border trading and is the first formalised pan-European standard for automatic doors.

All EU countries must comply with EN 16005, as must any products manufactured outside the EU for use inside it. The standard is also used outside the EU, including countries in the Middle East and Asia, making it the most widely used standard in the market place.

Manufacturing efforts aside, to fully comply with this standard, it is the responsibility of the specifier to oversee the correct installation of the enhanced security or bomb blast doorsets, ensuring that the fitting meets all necessary safety recommendations.

Bomb blast protection
Whilst bomb blast doors are designed and manufactured to be similar in appearance and with the same access performance as a standard automatic door, significant alternations in their fabrication make them capable of unrivalled protection in the event of a terrorist bomb attack.

Upgraded header fixing bolts, reduced fixing centres and a deformable plate to absorb the initial blast are just some of the altered areas of specification that make bomb blast doors unique. Coupled with glazing and threshold enhancements, increased extrusion wall thickness and an enhanced operating system with structural steels to cope with the increased weight, bomb blast doors can withstand massive over pressures that would otherwise devastate the inside of a building.

Testing of these products is rigorous and doorsets are subjected to the effects of a 100kg TNT explosive device at both 45m and 25m, in accordance with the US General Services Administration, International Standards Organisation (ISO) and Bomb Blast Standards. Blast gauges are used to measure the blast pressure and blast loading for each test and as a result, the doorset is awarded a standard in line with ISO EXV 45 and ISO EXV 25.

As the construction industry continues to demand counter-terrorism products for the protection of high risk environments, manufacturers will strive to deliver more sophisticated solutions to market. Satisfying the functionality versus protection argument will undoubtedly continue as a key consideration in the development of these products, and the evolution of bomb blast doors will follow suit to ensure public protection remains at the forefront of design.

Ingersoll Rand recently launched a white paper on bomb blast doors, as a comprehensive guidance document for specifiers of high-risk building projects. Designed to provide an overview of the current regulatory environment surrounding counter-terrorism measures in the construction of high-risk environments, the paper offers specifying professionals a wider understanding of advisory documents, quality standards and market leading products.

To download the white paper, please go to www.ingersollrand.co.uk

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Monday, 20 January 2014

Contractors and facilities managers urged to brush up on fire door knowledge

Contractors and facilities managers are being urged to attend a fire protection CPD seminar next week to gain essential advice on fire doors and other aspects of Passive Fire Protection.

The event is the third in a series of seminars organised by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) in association with the BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door and Doorset Scheme, and will take place at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Washington, Sunderland on 22 January 2014.

The aim of the seminar is to improve awareness and understanding of passive fire protection including the vital role of fire doors, frames and seals, and their specification, installation, inspection and maintenance.

John Fletcher, BWF-CERTIFIRE scheme manager, said:

"We have found that contractors and facilities managers are very often under-represented at fire safety events of this sort. But it is crucial that anyone responsible for specifying or checking a building's fire safety understands how passive fire protection solutions such as fire doors will help them to meet their obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, known as the RRO, to protect property, save lives and avoid prosecution and heavy fines.”

The seminar will hear from several technical experts in the fire sector including the Glass and Glazing Federation, Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

The most recent seminar took place in Manchester last year and was a sell-out success as it attracted more than 120 delegates.

Further seminars are planned throughout the year, with the next event scheduled on 20 March 2014 in London, supported by the London Fire Brigade. Additional seminars are also being arranged for Cardiff in April, followed by Birmingham, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The cost of the event is just £25 + VAT including lunch, and a £5 donation is made for every booking to the Children's Burns Trust.

A few places are still available for the Tyne and Wear event. Further details and bookings can be obtained here.

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Sunday, 19 January 2014

Exceptionally Restored Ferrari and Racing Porsche Set to Shine at Bonhams Paris Sale

Ferrari 275GTB/4 Berlinetta and racing Porsche 962C for sale at Bonhams Les Grandes Marques du Monde at the Grand Palais on 6 February.

The 1968 275GTB/4 Berlinetta Ferrari carries the long nose and short tail synonymous with the classic sports car.

In order to restore the Ferrari to its former glory, one of the UK’s best-known Ferrari specialists, Bob Houghton Ltd, renovated the car last summer. It was a no expense spared project that came to a total of €237,300 (£197,773). The interior has also been fully refurbished by the world renowned Italian trimmers, Luppi & Co.

This 3.3-litre V12 Gran Turismo is thought to be the best of its kind currently on sale anywhere in the world and, with only around 47,000km on the odometer, the Ferrari comes with an estimate of €2,100,000-2,600,000 (£1,700,000-2,200,000).

This car, chassis number 10905, was completed in January 1968, two years after Ferrari introduced the 275GTB/4 in place of the 275GTB series – so-called due to the four overhead camshafts in place of its predecessor’s two.

It was delivered to its first owner in Maione, Italy, in March that year, before being exported to the USA two years later. By 1979 it had passed into the ownership of W Michael Gray, a businessman in California, who completely restored the car before its sale in 1980.

Under the ownership of Walter Storz of Lörrach, Germany, the car was finished in red with black interior, and featured Borrani wire wheels. It was sold in September 1985 to Jacques Borloz of Switzerland.

From mainland Europe, 10905 was shipped to Ireland where it spent the following few years in the hands of a well-known collector, before being sold to the current vendor at the end of 2011.

On sale alongside the classic Ferrari is an original-liveried 1989 Porsche 962C Group C Sports Prototype, which carries an estimate of €750,000-950,000 (£620,000-790,000).

Chassis number 962-006BM was one of just eight racing prototypes built by John Thompson’s TC Prototypes company, and was campaigned by Brun Motorsport throughout the 1989 season.

Driven by the likes of Oscar Larrauri, Roland Ratzenberger and Stanley Dickens, 006 was raced seven times that year, and was sponsored by Jägermeister for three of those races. It also took part in five rounds of the World Sports Prototype Championship.

German Ferrari specialist and tuner, Willy König, bought the car in 1990 after it was damaged in Mexico. It had not been repaired or raced when it was sold in 1998 to Tony O’Neill, who sent it to specialists Group C Ltd to complete a full restoration in 2000.

Since its acquisition by the current vendor from Porsche and Jaguar collector, Henry Pearman, 006 has taken part in the RMU Classic, Dix Mille Tours, Can-Am Interserie Challenge and Masters Historic Racing series, finishing second at Montjuïc in April 2012.

Bonhams is selling this racing Porsche in the Jägermeister trademark orange livery and carrying number 16, just as the car did at Spa in 1989.

It also featured in the 60th anniversary edition of Autosport magazine for which three-time Le Mans winner Allan McNish track-tested the car in 2010.

As well as a complete restoration in 2000, there are numerous invoices on file from Peter Chambers Automotive Ltd of Tewkesbury, totalling over €91,000 (£76,000) and 006 is offered complete with documentation, a short tail on the car, and a spare long tail.

Sholto Gilbertson, senior motoring specialist at Bonhams, said:

"These cars are in exceptional condition having had a significant amount of restoration work done to them.

"The 275GTB is a beautiful car and is regarded by many as the finest Grand Tourer ever made by Ferrari. In contrast, the aggressive racing Porsche is a prototype from a much later era but is equally charismatic.

"Both are in full working order, which makes them the perfect purchase for any passionate collector."

www.bonhams.com.

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Made In Britain - All-New, Luxury British Sports Car Brand Set For Launch In 2014

An all-new, British luxury automotive brand is to be launched in April 2014, promising to refresh the classic British sports car, for the 21st Century.

Successful British businessman and car enthusiast, David Brown, has created a brand in his own name – David Brown Automotive – to deliver his vision for a new take on the British sports car.

David has sought out key industry talent to create the new car. An experienced design team is led by Alan Mobberley, who was Chief Designer at Land Rover for 19 years, until 2005, while automotive engineering experts, Envisage Group, have developed it, for production.

David has not settled for an update of any existing model. He has commissioned a completely original exterior and interior design, sourced bespoke British suppliers for interior trim and materials and the car has been thoroughly engineered for low-volume production, combining the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship.

David explained:

“I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it’s not something anyone really offers. So, I’ve created it myself.”

The result – codenamed “Project Judi” – will be revealed in April 2014 and will be made available for sale, in strictly limited numbers. It will combine a classically-inspired exterior design, with the latest in performance, dynamics, technology, comfort and refinement.

“I thought that if I’m looking for this, others might be too,” commented David.

More details on the new car, including its name, will be announced closer to the car’s launch date. In the meantime, anyone can register their interest to receive more information at: www.davidbrownautomotive.com.

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Saturday, 18 January 2014

New Marketing Manager for Leading Door Firm

A Barnsley-based door company has welcomed a new marketing manager to its growing team.

Chantel Roach joins Distinction Doors at one of the most prosperous times in the insulated composite door company’s 10 year history and is aiming to further increase the success of the team.

With 20 years’ experience in marketing and brand building, Chantel heads up the marketing division at the company’s Tankersley headquarters. Her role also involves working closely with the board to further Distinction Doors’ reputation in the insulated door market.

Chantel Roach said:

“I’m delighted to join the Distinction Doors team at this key time. It’s an incredibly exciting company to work for and is going from strength to strength. I’m planning on working hard to communicate our successes and build on them in 2014.”

Distinction Doors is the market leading supplier of GRP (glass reinforced polyester) insulated composite doors and was founded in 2004 by managing director Drew Wright, who recently announced a record breaking £3.5 million turnover for October 2013.

Drew Wright said:

“Chantel’s appointment is a strategic move to enhance our communication even further as we continue to forge long term relationships in the industry. Chantel’s experience is a key asset to our growing team and we are delighted to welcome her on board.”

For more information about The Company and its products visit: www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

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Friday, 17 January 2014

Majority of businesses wait more than 90 days for payment as ‘toothless’ regulations criticised

Sage research reveals late payment culture hitting SMEs

Nearly two thirds of businesses have experienced late payments of 90 days or more in the last six months, a shock study by business software and services provider Sage UKI has found.

Bosses of small and medium sized firms across the UK also gave a damning verdict for the Prompt Payment Code, established by Government in 2008 to tackle late payment, with only 5 per cent classing it as ‘effective’ or ‘extremely effective’.

An overwhelming majority classed the code as ‘ineffective’ (38%), or ‘extremely ineffective’ (16%). The remaining 41% said they had not heard of the code, which points towards a systematic failure of the Government to get to grips with late payment.

The survey of nearly 600 business owners also discovered that as a result of late payments:
•         One in ten (11%) suffered major cashflow difficulties. A third (33%) said they had experienced minor cashflow problems
•         A knock-on effect in the supply chain, with 14% of firms unable to pay their own suppliers
•         One in 40 firms (2.5%) were late paying wages to staff

Big businesses are the worst offenders for late payments, according to 45% of respondents. This was followed by small businesses (16%), the public sector (13%), and individuals (8%).

“It’s time for the Government to roll up its sleeves and get on with clamping down on the notorious late payers which are starving smaller firms of cashflow,” said Lee Perkins, Managing Director of Sage UK and Ireland’s Start-up and Small Business Division, commenting on the findings.

“British businesses have given a damning verdict for the Prompt Payment Code which has proved toothless and ineffective. There has been plenty of rhetoric, but not enough action and firms are saying they are fed up.

“Thirty days is long enough, but it’s absolutely criminal that the majority of firms experiencing late payments of sixty, or even ninety days.”

Survey profile and data:

The survey spoke to 572 business owners and decision makers.

In the last six months, businesses said they had experienced late payments over these time scales.
•         30 days or more, 84% said yes
•         60 days or more, 72% said yes
•         90 days or more, 57% said yes

Businesses were asked if they felt the Prompt Payment Code, established in 2008 to help businesses get paid on time, is effective? Respondents answered as follows:-
•         Yes, extremely effective, 1%
•         Yes, effective, 4%
•         No, ineffective, 38%
•         No, extremely ineffective, 16%
•         I don’t know/have not heard of the Prompt Payment Code, 41%

Firms were asked, what one thing would you do to improve the Prompt Payment Code? Respondents answered as follows:-
•         Tighter enforcement of the rules, 21%
•         Make an example of firms who do not pay on time, 14%
•         Greater punishment for firms who do not pay suppliers on time, 12%
•         Support from Government to help cash flows, if firms fail to pay, 9%
•         Other, 5%
•         Don’t know 39%

Firms were asked, from their experience, who are the worst offenders when it comes to late payments? Respondents answered as follows:-
•         Big business, 46%
•         Small business, 16%
•         Public sector, 13%
•         Individuals, 9%
•         Other, 8%
•         No problem with late payments, 8%

About Sage
Sage has been helping small businesses improve the way they work for over 30 years with award-winning accounting, payroll and CRM software.

In the UK, Sage provides software and services to businesses ranging from start-ups to large companies. This software ranges from accounts and ERP, HR and payroll, forecasting and business intelligence to customer relationship management, e-business and help for start-ups. Services include Excel Support, HR Advice, Health and Safety Advice and training courses. Best-selling packages such as Sage One Accounts, Sage Instant Accounts and Sage 50 Accounts have helped over 830,000 businesses in the UK save time and money.